Allergy Testing
Allergies are common today with many people as well as pets suffering from them. Allergies develop when the body’s immune system over-reacts to certain substances in our environment these are called allergens.
When your pet is exposed to allergens it makes specific antibodies known as IgE’s. These antibodies bind to the mast cells in the skin, respiratory tract or gut. After repeated exposure to allergens the mast cells release a variety of unpleasant chemicals which are responsible for the signs of allergy.
The common signs of allergy are:
- Scratching
- Foot licking
- Facial rubbing
- Rashes/sores
- Watery eyes
- Respiratory disease
- Vomiting/diarrhoea
What are the most common allergies?
Flea allergic dermatitis – the most common diagnosed in dogs and cats. When fleas bite a dog or cat its saliva is injected into the animal and can trigger an allergic reaction. If your pet is particularly allergic just one or two bites can result in an enormous amount of discomfort.
Atopy – is your pets equivalent of hives or hayfever, and may cause skin, respiratory or gastrointestinal disease. Clinical signs in dogs usually develop between one and three years of age and onset is rare after seven years of age. It may be seasonal occurring in the summer months when pollen counts are high, or present all year round for animals allergic to house dust mites or some foods.
Cutaneous adverse food reactions – include food allergy and food intolerance and may cause signs similar to atopy. CAFR can develop at any age, even when the same diet has been fed for many years. If suspected you may be asked to do a dietary trial, in attempts to avoid potentially problematic ingrediants.
How do we diagnose allergies?
This is a complicated process. It includes a thorough evaluation of the pets history, physical examination and tests to rule out other potential causes of skin irritation such as fleas, lice, mites, ringworm, bacterial and fungal infection.
If allergy is still suspected we may recommend more specific testing using an allergy test specifically for veterinary use. A small blood sample is required. The test is carried out to detect antibodies (IgEs) against a variety of environmental allergens which are recognised causes of allergy in the UK.
Is it allergy – what next?
When antibodies are detected and allergen avoidance is not effective a cause of injections containing the appropriate allergens can be given over a period of weeks in an attempt to create a ‘tolerance’ and abolish clinical signs. Boosters are then given to maintain this state of tolerance.
The aim of immunotherapy is, by creating a tolerance, to avoid the use of steroids, or at least to significantly reduce the dose required. Successful immunotherapy can enable your pet to live a more comfortable life without the risk of undesirable side effects.
What next?
If you suspect your pet is suffering from an allergy, talk to us as soon as possible to discuss investigation, testing and treatment options.
Updated 05-01-2011
